1a.Objectives (from AD-416)
To evaluate the efficiency of the modular PyroGen system in producing power and charcoal from agricultural waste plastic covers and manures.

1b.Approach (from AD-416)
The newly developed 250LB/30KW vertical mixed reactor PyroGenTM system is designed to process waste feedstocks in volumes up to 250 pounds per hour. It normally supports one I-Power Energy Systems 20 to 30kw engines/generator sets producing up to 30 kW of power. In this cooperative work, two feedstocks will be tested: a) waste plastic films used in soil fumigation and b) chicken litter. Prior to pyrolysis, the waste plastic will be converted to pellets. Individual feedstocks as well as mixture of the two feedstocks will be evaluated for biochar, biooil, and power production efficiency. About 4000 lb of the feedstocks will be fed into the PyroGen™ system. Emission gas from the system will be tested for major hydrocarbons, gross heating values, and sulfur containing compounds (ASTM D1945/D1946, D3588-98, and D6228-98). In addition, the air will be tested if it meets the California emission standards. Total elemental analyses with microwave digestion (US EPA Method 3051) and ICP-MS will be performed on the charcoal samples. The scrubbing water will also be tested for water quality parameters; total solids, suspended solids, dissolved solids, BOD, COD, TKN, NH3/NH4, NOx, total P. Energy and mass balance of the system will be performed.

3.Progress Report

This project is related to inhouse objective 2: Develop renewable energy via thermochemical technologies and practices for improved conversion of manure into heat, power, biofuels, and biochars.

The Principal Investigator (PI) visited Sonoco Recycling Center, Hartsville, SC, to discuss the feasibility of using their plastic wastes as a feedstock for the Organic Power Solutions 250 pounds per hour pyrolysis system. Organic Power Solutions also agreed to evaluate if the Sonoco’s plastic waste samples can be fed into their modular pyrolysis system.

Progress was monitored via phone calls and emails.